# India reviews Asian Games performance and funding

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-asian-games-preparation-and-performance-review
> Updated: 2026-10-14T19:53:57.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The Indian Sports Ministry has initiated a formal review with National Sports Federations to assess the nation’s performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Following a decline to 85 total medals—including 11 gold—from the 106 medals won at the previous Hangzhou Games, officials are investigating why several elite athletes failed to meet expectations.

The scrutiny focuses on 89 experienced athletes from 23 disciplines who failed to medal. Of particular concern is the performance of 34 elite athletes across nine disciplines who received approximately Rs 27.16 crore in support through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The ministry also noted a failure to defend 20 gold medals from the previous edition in sports such as squash, athletics, and badminton. Additionally, officials are investigating the last-minute withdrawal of nine track and field athletes due to reported injuries.

While the review may result in a redistribution of funding toward higher-performing sports, observers have suggested the process should prioritize identifying systemic gaps in training and preparation over penalizing underperformance. 

Parallel to the performance review, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is addressing allegations from para-shooters regarding the Para Asian Games selection process. The athletes have alleged “illicit monetary extortion” and the manipulation of qualifying scores by Paralympic Committee of India officials, though the committee has denied these claims, asserting that selection was based on merit.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: India sports ministry reviews Asian Games performance

The Indian sports ministry is reviewing National Sports Federations following below-par performances at the Asian Games, specifically examining the effectiveness of funding for elite athletes.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-sports-ministry-reviews-asian-games-performance

### 2026-10-08: India Sports Ministry reviews Asian Games performance and corruption claims

India's Sports Ministry is reviewing underwhelming Asian Games results and addressing corruption allegations raised by para-shooters regarding selection processes for the Para Asian Games.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-sports-ministry-reviews-asian-games-performance-and-corruption-claims

### 2026-09-16: India Sports Ministry spends over Rs 700cr for Asian Games preparation

India's Sports Ministry spent over Rs 700 crore on athlete preparation for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, focusing on international exposure and training for a 501-member contingent.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-sports-ministry-spends-over-rs-700cr-for-asian-games-preparation

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Cite as: India reviews Asian Games performance and funding. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-asian-games-preparation-and-performance-review
